Hard Earned Success: Surgery for Allison Clutter

Update: The money for surgery is to be paid in full on or before May 24. I met with the surgical team and received my final quote for out-of-pocket expenses. It’s a little bit higher than anticipated. So please, continue to share my story with everyone! Thank you to those who have made donations so far. I am eternally grateful for you support and kindness.

Hi, my name is Allison! I am 24 and in my 3rd-year teaching music full time! When I turned 22 (literally on my birthday), I made the craziest, hardest, and most life-changing decision of my life. I had a significant surgery to better my health, quality of life, and overall well-being. I had RNY- Gastric Bypass- Weight-loss Surgery. I had always struggled with my weight, and I was at a point where I would never have a quality of life if I did not make some significant changes. My heaviest weight recorded was 288 pounds, but I stopped weighing myself when I reached that number.

I had tried EVERYTHING before surgery was even an option. I was offended when my doctor even suggested it. But after educating myself, I found out that my chances of success were high due to my age and, most importantly, my personal drive for a better life. I did six months of weight-loss classes, nutrition classes, and counseling. I was expected to lose 12 pounds before surgery. I lost 18. When it came time for surgery, I knew I was making the right decision. Since then, I have lost over 100 pounds, and I have kept the weight off for almost three years! My journey has not been easy. It has been the hardest thing I have done so far in life. I have learned a lot about self-love, self-care, and myself.

With my extreme weight loss, I now have a good bit of excess skin on my stomach and arms. I have had many consultations with a plastic surgeon to remove the skin. I have rashes, especially in the summertime, and I have to wear pants that are a size too big to cover my extra skin. Same for my shirts. My insurance has approved the removal of the skin on my stomach but did not approve the reconstruction of my belly button or the removal of the skin on my arms. I will have to pay out-of-pocket for those two things. It is fiscally a better option to have both my arm and stomach skin removed during the same surgery, and it also means I will have one recovery and follow-up appointment.

At this time, I am not in a place to pay for these out-of-pocket costs. My surgery is scheduled for June 7, 2022. I currently work an additional part-time job on top of full-time teaching to stay afloat. I am asking for donations to pay for the removal of the excess skin on my arms and the reconstruction of my belly button. I have worked extremely hard to make it to this point, and this surgery would be a blessing. All donations will go toward the cost of surgery and any aftercare services I may need. I will be grateful for every dollar to help offset the cost of out-of-pocket expenses. Even if you cannot donate, I would appreciate it if you could share my story and help spread the word! Thank you to my family, friends, and colleagues for their continued support. And thank you for taking the time to read my story. It is greatly appreciated.